Just when you thought Big Brother had more important things to worry about than sticking his nose into where you go and what you do a story like this one surfaces.

Between September of 2008 and October 2009 Sprint allowed law enforcement to track their customers movements over 8 million times by way of the GPS on their devices.

Kind of scary isn't it. While I am sure this has aided law enforcement the sheer magnitude of this announcement has to make you wonder who is watching. To date Sprint has given no explanation or explained what requirements the law enforcement agencies have to follow to gain access to this information.

As Berry users we should be especially concerned by this due to the outstanding security features that have been placed onto these devices. It is a shame that those security features seem to stop at our e-mail.

Or do they? I am going to have a look at a Sprint contract and see where it says I waive my right to Privacy.

12-02-2009, 09:14 PM

bbcrackman

Now thats an article! Thanks Vash!!! Now it really makes you wonder what the Feds are doing with this.... :aargh4:

12-02-2009, 09:17 PM

MePascal

I would like to be able to have the choice. I don't have anything to hide yet I still feel I'm entitled to be informed of any scrutiny that is being directed towards my personal whereabouts.
I'm sure Sprint is not the only carrier partaking in this practice as well.Posted via mobile device

12-02-2009, 09:38 PM

Corey Darling

Would any changes to the GPS options in our phones affect this?

GPS Services: Location on / 911only

GPS Location Aiding: enabled/disabled

:confused:

12-02-2009, 09:41 PM

gpquinn

I have some experience with this subject.

Rest assured that there are legal obstacles to overcome before carriers release information. In most cases, a search warrant is required to track GPS data...meaning a judge has reviewed and approved law enforcement's request based on probable cause. Also, I believe the 8 million number quoted involves multiple responses to the same request (e.g., police track terrorist bomber by pinging his phone every 3-5 minutes for a week...could be about 2000 responses to law enforcement).

For account information in general, a subpoena or court order is required. Law enforcement can't just call up and get the information. The only exceptions are made for life threats (kidnappings, etc.) and FBI/Homeland Security investigations (most of which are reviewed by a special magistrate anyway).

Add this to the fact that over 270,000,000 mobile phones are in use in America and the number of affected phones is probably less than 2%.

It's the kind of report that grabs headlines, but is not as sensational or scandalous as it appears.

12-02-2009, 10:23 PM

johnnydangerous3

Sprint is still in business???

12-02-2009, 10:47 PM

mmanuel552

Quote:

Originally Posted by gpquinn

I have some experience with this subject.

Rest assured that there are legal obstacles to overcome before carriers release information. In most cases, a search warrant is required to track GPS data...meaning a judge has reviewed and approved law enforcement's request based on probable cause. Also, I believe the 8 million number quoted involves multiple responses to the same request (e.g., police track terrorist bomber by pinging his phone every 3-5 minutes for a week...could be about 2000 responses to law enforcement).

For account information in general, a subpoena or court order is required. Law enforcement can't just call up and get the information. The only exceptions are made for life threats (kidnappings, etc.) and FBI/Homeland Security investigations (most of which are reviewed by a special magistrate anyway).

Add this to the fact that over 270,000,000 mobile phones are in use in America and the number of affected phones is probably less than 2%.

It's the kind of report that grabs headlines, but is not as sensational or scandalous as it appears.

\
Very will put unless you have some knowledge of the law or work as a LEO this kind of article will scare the hell out of people. Thanks For Clarifying this info for everyone.